Castledon SEN School

Castledon SEN School, located in Wickford, Essex, is a specialist educational needs (SEN) institution catering to students aged 5–19 with moderate learning difficulties, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and complex needs. In response to growing demands, Morgan Sindall Construction was appointed by Essex County Council under the Essex Construction Framework 2 (ECF2) to increase school places by constructing a new two storey block.

Key Stats

Working within a live SEN school
47/45 CCS Score, +2 extra marks awarded for 'Best Practice'
Over 257.4T of carbon saved on the project and recorded in the 10T carbon challenge
20 charitable / volunteering hours donated
£3,200 worth of charitable funds/materials donated throughout the project
10/10 - Customer Recommended

At a Glance

Client

Essex County Council

Budget

£9m

Completion

August 2025

Location

Wickford, Essex

Framework

ECF2

Sector

Education, SEN

Building for Continuity and Care

The redevelopment was driven by a vision to create a space that nurtures, empowers, and protects SEN students. The new facility reflects this ethos through its thoughtful and inclusive design. In total, the project includes:

Eight multi-purpose classrooms designed for flexible learning
A sports hall
Dedicated rooms for food technology, science, and art
Therapy and calming rooms tailored to sensory and emotional needs

One of the most distinctive features of the redevelopment was a relocated library bus, now thoughtfully positioned beside a woodland glade. This tranquil setting offers students a peaceful, nature-inspired retreat where they can engage with reading, reflect quietly, and enjoy moments of calm away from the bustle of the school day.

To support the increased school capacity, the car park was also redesigned, adding 21 new spaces.

Navigating Change in SEN Environments

Change presents unique challenges in SEN settings, where pupils rely on routine and familiarity. Recognising this, the project team implemented a series of thoughtful strategies to ease transitions and minimise disruption.

Classrooms in the existing building were repositioned away from external stimuli, and privacy films were applied to windows to reduce visual distractions from the construction activity. Noise sensitivity was addressed through collaboration with the school to set acceptable noise limits, and headphones were provided to students during site visits to help manage sensory overload.

Site safety was approached with both practicality and empathy. To ensure a secure yet reassuring environment, Heras fencing was selected and installed, not only to clearly separate the construction zone from the school grounds, but also to maintain visibility. This decision helped reduce curiosity and mitigate risk, allowing students and staff to observe progress without feeling overwhelmed or disconnected. The fencing was stabilised using water or concrete bases to prevent tampering and ensure consistent safety throughout the project.

Lastly, disruption was further minimised through strategic scheduling. Major activities—such as demolition of the RL buildings, intrusive surveys, and car park works—were planned during school holidays, including Easter, summer, and Christmas breaks. Quieter works were scheduled during sensitive periods, such as GCSE exams, to avoid unnecessary noise and stress.

Sustainability: A Commitment to the Future

Lastly, sustainability was a guiding principle throughout the duration of the project. From the earliest planning stages to the final handover, the project team made deliberate choices to reduce environmental impact and align with Essex County Council’s climate and infrastructure goals.

Over the course of the build, the team achieved more than 257 tonnes of carbon savings which was made possible through a combination of innovative tools and conscientious decision-making. Central to this was the use of CarboniCa, an industry-recognised carbon reduction tool that measures whole life carbon emissions across a building’s design, construction, and entire lifecycle. The team also embraced a number of environmentally responsible practices, including:

Installing photovoltaic panels across 70% of the roof to harness renewable energy
Using recycled materials in groundworks to reduce waste and resource consumption
Designing the building for net-zero operational carbon, ensuring long-term environmental performance

Beyond the Blueprint: A Forest School Blooms

The Castledon SEN School redevelopment has provided meaningful investment in the school’s future and its wider community. In total, the project delivered over 20 hours of charitable and volunteering work, alongside £3,200 worth of charitable funds and materials. However, one of the most impactful examples of social value came not from the planned scope of works, but from a spontaneous act of generosity and collaboration.

While the primary focus remained on delivering new buildings and refurbishments, the site team identified an opportunity to leave a lasting gift to the school. With the support of the supply chain and a group of passionate volunteers, they created a Forest School and wellbeing area.

Initially designed as a peaceful retreat for site operatives the space was transformed into a sensory garden and outdoor learning zone. It features:

Blue crates salvaged from site excavation,
Benches and umbrellas donated from a recently completed site,
Repurposed timber and concrete used to build planting beds and a pond-side hardstanding.
Wildlife habitats including hedgehog homes, bat boxes, bug hotels, and herb gardens

A restored table tennis table rescued from the school’s sixth form also serves as a centrepiece for recreation.

The initiative was made possible through contributions from Oak View Landscapes, LPL Construction Services, GM Piling, and Ashwells – Reclaimed Timber, who donated materials, time, and expertise.

This is an exciting milestone and part of our ongoing efforts to create more much-needed school places for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities. We’re committed to ensuring that every child receives a high-quality education in an environment that meets their individual needs, and I look forward to hearing how pupils are enjoying these new facilities.”

Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability